Modern cars are crammed with all kinds of different systems and functions with their own indicators and warning lights on dashboard.
Sometimes it’s difficult to understand what they mean, especially for those who just learn to drive a car.
Take into account that the same system might have different graphical symbol on dashboard of different auto manufacturer.
Notice that the color of the warning lights has its own meaning. If the symbol is red, it is dangerous to drive a car. Yellow alerts that you need to pay attention. Green or blue means that some system is turned on.
Now, let’s review the main dashboard warning lights.
Meaning: it is a reminder of the necessity to use a seat belt. If you don’t wear a seat belt, the warning light might go out after a while, but it depends on the model of the car.
How to act: always wear a seat belt, because it saves lives
Did you know?
According to statistics the seat belts prevent lethal damage in 75 cases out of 100.
Meaning: it indicates a need to diagnose the engine, which has some problems in its work. At the same time the engine can run in alarm mode, in which its characteristics do not meet the technical requirements.
How to act: contact your service station, because it is almost impossible to fix this problem yourself.
Meaning: increased (red light) or low (blue light) temperature of the engine cooling system.
How to act: in case of blue light just wait until the engine warms up to the optimal temperature.
If light is red, turn the engine off to prevent further damage.
Meaning: there is a problem with the oil pressure.
How to act: stop the engine immediately to avoid serious damage! Contact the service station.
Meaning: it lights up in case of the clamped handbrake or low brake fluid level.
How to act: gently stop the car on the roadside. Be prepared that the brake pedal might not work, so you have to stop the car using the handbrake.
How to act: check the alternator belt and plan your visit to the service station. If you want to drive further, it is better to turn off all energy consuming systems such as audio system, headlights, etc.
Meaning: the parking brake is engaged
How to act: release the parking brake before driving off
Meaning: the pressure in one or more tires becomes crucially low
How to act: check the tire pressure and use air pump if it needed.
Notice that the light might be still turned on for some time after the normalization of tires pressure.
Meaning: the fuel level is low
How to act: move to the nearest gas station. When the low fuel light turns on, you cans still drive another 40-60 km. Notice that the light might turn on during cornering or on the slopes because of fuel fluctuations in the tank.
Meaning: one or more car doors are opened.
How to act: just check if all the doors are closed properly.
Meaning: if the light is on while driving, than the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is faulty. There is a problem in one or more airbags.
How to act: visit the service station. It is impossible to fix this problem by yourself.
Did you know?
Airbags reduce the risk of driver death in a frontal collision at 20 -25%
Meaning: there are problems in power steering system, which are usually associated with blown fuse.
How to act: If you don’t have special skills, it is better to fix such problems in the service station.
Meaning: the light informs that glow plugs are still warming up. After sometime the light will turn off or change its color to green. It means you can start the vehicle.
How to act: just wait until light will go out or change its color.
Meaning: headlights are turned to full beam. Use the high beam according to the rules of the road. Remember that you can blind oncoming drivers and provoke a road accident.
Meaning: the emergency lights are turned on. Use them to warn other road users that you have some troubles with your car. Many motorists also use the emergency lights to say “thank you” to other drivers.
Meaning: cruise control system is activated. This system allows you to keep the speed you need without pressing the accelerator pedal. The system is created to provide comfort while driving on motorways.
Dashboard Warning Lights - What do they mean? ,